Disaster Response Team Lends A Hand To Home Town Hero

Finis Gaston is regarded by many in Pensacola, Florida as a shining star. He was raised by a single mother in a poor neighborhood. His mom also took care of his young niece and two nephews. When Finis was 16 years old, the straight A-student and sports enthusiast tried out for the Baker School cheerleading team. He made school history as the first male cheerleader and his confidence and sense of humor made him a school favorite. His dream to go to college and earn a degree in social work came true when he was discovered by a football scout, who offered Finis a full scholarship to Alabama A&M University.

With just one year left to graduation, Finis’ beloved mother unexpectedly died. Although he was living his dream, he abruptly left college to return home and care for his niece and nephews. Sending the children to foster care facilities was never an option for Finis, who believes that family comes first.

In addition to his job as a lunch server at Baker School, Finis is a volunteer coach for a local area girls’ cheerleading team at the Baker Area Youth Association. Under his guidance, he has led their team to win local competitions and more importantly, has given the girls a much-needed boost of confidence. He opened a gymnastics business called Finest Tumblers, but he had to shut down when the building was recently sold. The community lost a fun, healthy place for kids to train; and Finis lost the income that he planned to use to make his family’s home safe and livable.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team leader Ty Pennington and designers Michael Moloney, Tracy Hutson and Johnny Littlefield, local builder Heritage Homes, Disaster Response Team and community volunteers stepped in and helped get Finest Tumblers back on its feet.

In addition, Gaston is a big fan of Mariah Carey. He was stunned when the popular singer showed up to help announce that he would be receiving the home of his dreams.

Disaster Response Team assisted by providing drying and cleaning services, including dehumidification and round-the-clock monitoring and labor, to expedite the drying of the drywall, primer, and paint in the interior and exterior of the home. The project was completed the week of October 18.

Disaster Response Team is a company dedicated to solving disaster and restoration challenges. Utilizing highly trained personnel, state-of-the-art technology, and “good old fashioned hand- holding,” DRT aims to relieve the physical, emotional, and mental trauma associated with any disaster.  First, they strive to meet a clients’ high expectations, and then thrive on exceeding those expectations.

The Emmy award winning reality program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, is now entering its 8th season.  The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.